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Former Oswego professor kidnapped by al-Qaeda terrorists is in failing health

Warren Weinstein

This image made from video released anonymously to reporters in Pakistan, including the Associated Press on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, which is consistent with other AP reporting, shows Warren Weinstein, a 72-year-old American development worker who was kidnapped in Pakistan by al-Qaida more than two years ago, appealing to President Obama to negotiate his release. The video of Weinstein was the first since two videos released in September 2012. Weinstein, the country director in Pakistan for J.E. Austin Associates, a U.S.-based firm that advises a range of Pakistani business and government sectors, was abducted from his house in the eastern city of Lahore in August 2011.(AP Photo via AP video)
(Uncredited)

Warren Weinstein, a former professor at SUNY Oswego, has been held captive by al-Qaeda terrorists since 2011 in Pakistan.

The union that represents professors is asking the U.S. State Department to step up its efforts to negotiate his release because he appeared to be in ill health in a recent video. Weinstein is 73. He was kidnapped in Lahore, Pakistan, on Aug. 13, 2011, when he was working for a USAID contractor.

Weinstein also asked for help and said his health was failing in a video released in December.

Then he said he felt forgotten by the U.S. government that he went to Pakistan to serve.

"Nine years ago I came to Pakistan to help my government," Weinstein said in the video. "And I did so at a time when most Americans would not come here. And now when I need my government, it seems that I have been totally abandoned and forgotten."

That video was the last time he was heard from.

Frederick A. Kowal, president of United University Professions, is asking the state department to negotiate Weinstein's release. Kowal has also asked other educational unions -- NYSUT, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association -- to pressure the state department to work for Weinstein's release.

Weinstein suffers from a heart condition and severe asthma, according to BringWarrenHome.com, a website devoted to his release.

"He is a gentle man who was in Pakistan to help the people of Pakistan," reads the website.